I inadvertently closed a loop without realising I'd done it. I finally told a "friend" who speaks to me in a way that's not preferred, (one minute she refers to me as a "Dear friend" the next she, tells me how I trigger her, she's very defensive and competitive) she then gaslights me, never takes any accountability for her part in our relationship dynamics and never apologises when she is wrong ( but expects me to)... She reminds me so much of my narcissistic late mother and triggers me a lot, although I've never really challenged her on it, just allowed the fawner to smooth it over and the invisible one to soak it up and the people pleaser to brush it under the rug.... ANYHOW , finally.....I sent her a message saying " Having given it serious thought and consideration. I've decided to end our friendship. I wish you well on your endeavors. Take care" then I blocked her on all platforms... No need for justification, explanation, no room for being further gaslit or manipulated, no room for a narcissistic hoovering or reeling in, so why do I feel a little guilty? ( because I havent given her the opportunity to reply? ...I dont know..) I just know I did what's best for me...right now

Just completed all 5 sections of the Awakening Assessment, and I just realized the "loud voice with so many thoughts" I've been silencing to keep the peace at work is actually the same voice that helps strangers feel heard in 5 minutes flat. Turns out what I've been calling "ranting" might actually be the exact thing I'm here to do.